14 Road Trip Snacks for Long Drives
Stay fueled and satisfied with these tasty, mess-free snacks that are perfect for road trips.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Long drives call for the right fuel. This means snacks that are portable, easy to eat, and keep you going mile after mile. This list has a little something for every road warrior. These 14 snack ideas are ideal for eating behind the wheel without the crumbs or fuss.
1. Trail Mix
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A classic combo of nuts, dried fruit, and a little chocolate gives you energy and flavor in every bite. It’s customizable and packs easily in resealable bags. You get protein, fiber, and just the right amount of sweetness to keep things interesting.
2. Cheese Sticks
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Individually wrapped and perfectly portioned, cheese sticks are a protein-rich snack that satisfies. They’re mess-free and easy to eat with one hand.
3. Granola Bars
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Convenient, filling, and available in endless flavors, granola bars are a road trip must. They’re tidy, compact, and ideal for staving off hunger between stops.
4. Fresh Fruit (Apples, Grapes, Bananas)
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Fruit gives you natural energy without weighing you down. Apples and grapes travel well and don’t need peeling, while bananas offer a quick potassium boost.
5. Beef Jerky
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Savory, chewy, and loaded with protein, jerky is a satisfying snack that keeps hunger at bay. It doesn’t spoil easily, making it road-trip ready.
6. Crackers and Hummus Cups
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Single-serve hummus packs with a handful of crackers make for a satisfying combo. You get crunch and creaminess in one go. It’s a better-for-you alternative to chips.
7. Popcorn
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Light, crunchy, and endlessly munchable, popcorn is ideal for snacking on the go. Choose low-butter or lightly salted versions for a healthier twist.
8. Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites
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Salty and slightly sweet, these poppable bites are perfect for road nibbling. They combine carbs, protein, and fat to keep you satisfied.
9. Hard-Boiled Eggs
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If you want something more substantial, hard-boiled eggs deliver protein and nutrients in a neat little shell. Peel them before you hit the road for less fuss.
10. Veggie Sticks and Ranch Cups
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Carrot and celery sticks with a side of ranch or hummus make a crunchy, refreshing snack. It’s a way to sneak in some greens without pulling over.
11. Rice Cakes with Nut Butter
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Low-cal and crunchy, rice cakes topped with almond or peanut butter are easy to prep and pack. They satisfy that hunger itch without making you sluggish.
12. Dried Fruit
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Sweet and chewy, dried mangoes, apricots, or raisins are a better-for-you alternative to candy. They’re portable and shelf-stable. Look for options without added sugar.
13. Yogurt Tubes
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Perfect for coolers, yogurt tubes offer calcium and protein in a fun, slurpable form. They’re less messy than cups and great for kids. Choose Greek yogurt for more protein.
14. Dark Chocolate Squares
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When you need a treat, a square or two of dark chocolate hits the spot. It’s rich, satisfying, and won’t melt as quickly as milk chocolate. Pack a few in a small container.